CHANGING PRACTICES, UNWAVERING PURPOSE

The Free Will Baptist Children’s Home of Alabama officially opened its doors on September 5, 1947. By Christmas of that year 10 children were living at the Home. Rev. W.H. Ryland and his wife, Verla, moved to the 9-acre campus after he was selected as the first Superintendent. Soon Miss Florene Sides joined the staff as the house parent for the girls, a position she would hold for over 30 years.

Over the years there were tough times financially. For many years, the Home’s staff and residents planted gardens, grew crops, and raised cows, pigs, and chickens. People came from near and far bringing fresh produce, canned goods, clothing, and other supplies. The Home operated on the war years’ philosophy, “Eat it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.”

For 50 years the residents lived in Breckenridge Hall, a two-story brick building which provided not only sleeping quarters but also offices, kitchen, and a dining area. The number of children increased dramatically over the years, at times reaching populations well over 60. An additional 200 acres of property was acquired for fishing and hunting. Brother Carlton Lambert, the longest serving Director, led the growing staff for over 28 years in the aging facilities. He and his wife, Betty filled the role of Dad and Mom to hundreds of children.

In the late 1990’s the sound of construction could be heard in Eldridge. Four cottages (houses) were built for the residents and their house parents. Each house could accommodate up to ten children and the house parents. A multi-purpose building containing offices, kitchen, and dining hall was erected. A recreational building was completed in 2009. More recently a 60-acre tract of land, including the sandstone Thorogood House was purchased.

The campus has definitely changed. Policies and procedures have certainly been updated. Government guidelines have required adjustments. The day to day operation and practices of the Home and staff look different. The fact is, 72 years of ministry has and will continueto result in changes.

However, one thing has not, and with God’s help will not change. The purpose of theHome’s ministry is the same as 1947. We are here to provide a loving home to children who are hurting. We want to model a Christian family, help our children find faith in Jesus, and instill character and godly values. Our purpose and legacy is not in buildings, property,or procedures, but in the difference God makes in the lives of our children.

MARCH/APRIL 2020

A Ministry of theFree Will BaptistChildren’s Home

Here’s an easy, convenient way to help support our Home:Order items through the Amazon Smile link, and we will receivea portion of the purchase price. You can even view our wish listand have items shipped directly to us.

https://smile.amazon.com/hz/charitylist/ls/NHZU14N009YE/ref=smi_se_spo_icl_lst_tgt

The FWB Children’s Home Newsletter is published six times per year to keep friends informed of current activities, programs, and service. If you have any questions, suggestions, or comments, please contact us.

Free Will Baptist Children’s Home, P. O. Box 8 Eldridge, AL 35554Mandy Mitchell, Executive Director | Ralinda Aspey, Counselor | Danny Williams, Communication Phone: 205-924-9751 | Fax: 205-924-9574 | Website: www.fwbhome.org

FWBCH does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, nationality, or ethnic origin.

B OARD OF DIRECTORSRodney Yerby, Chairman

Shelia Bynum | Donnie Blackmon

Tim Baumgarten | Wayne Parker

Joey Pettis | Waymon Fields

Danny Williams

MEMORIAL GIFTS

Below are memorial contributions from November/December 2019. We thank all thosewho honor their loved ones in this special way.

IN MEMORY DONOR

Loudell Dobbins Dale & Tina Pair, Robert & Sharon Free Wanda Walker & Family, Dale & Vikki Dodd Dalbert & Allison Marsh

Raphael Yerby Regina Rose

Pete Mitchell Lamar & Dorenda Weaver

Hunter Watson Ronnie & Janice Winters

Carey Pickett Faye Lovelady

Elmer Harris Billy & Geraldine Gober

Jean Wakefield

Hershell Curtis

Shirley Vandiver

Vester Lawrence

John Bolan

Thurlow Bell Cheryl Webb & Family

June Hayes Shirley Arrington

Randy Bridges Bruce Hamrick

Suda Nell Sizemore Morgan, Bill & Nell Steve & Jean

Robert Chris Bowen, Jr. Rodger Bennett

Etheline Capps Onzell Godfrey

Rev. Elzie Gilliam Joe & Celia Yerby

Dorothy Atkins Jerry & Betty Atkins

Cory Baughn

Rhonda Yates

Dr. David J Rowland

Lou Ann Booth Jim & Lisa Courington

Betty Bagwell Jim & Mary Bagwell

Heyward Butler Rhetta Butler

Frank Barron Regina Barron

IN HONOR DONOR

Faye Dinkins Daniel & Deborah Dinkins

You may pay tribute to your loved one with a donation in their honor. Please include with yourgift the information needed to notify the family.

Recognition will also appear in theupcoming newsletter.

Free Will Baptist Children’s Home is a ministry of the Alabama State Association of FWB’s. As a non-profit organization, FWBCH provides a loving, home-like, Christian atmosphere for children struggling with life’s challenges and turbulent domestic situations. Our task is to help children hurt by life to find faith in God and enter adulthood as responsible Christian men and women with a purpose in life.

One ofthe thingsI admirethe most

about our houseparents

is their ability to love these

children, never knowing

how longthey will

have them, willing to

risk the heartache,

every time.

PUR POSE

DIRECTOR’S DESK

I have worked at the Children’s Home for almost 9 years and it didn’t take long for me to notice a pattern. Every Fall and Spring we would have an increased number of referrals and admissions, and at the same time, children leaving us for the next step of their lives.

One of the hardest things that our staff deals with are having to let go of children that they have grown to love. Many people would guard their heart about “not getting too attached,” to save from the heartache they will feel when that child has to move on. One of the things I admire the most about our houseparents is their ability to love these children, never knowing how long they will have them, willing to risk the heartache, every time. One houseparent said that you can’t do this job the right way without getting attached to each and every child you care for.

Many of you know that here at the Home we serve foster children in the custody of the State but also private families, who still hold custody of children. One of our sweetest little boys was placed in a good adoptive home in January. We were so sad to see him go but also excited for him to have his opportunity to have a forever family. The day after he moved, the adoptive mom sent the young man’s houseparent flowers and an update on how he was doing and pictures of him in his new home. That act of empathy meant the world to us. We do what we do because we love children and wantto see the best outcome for them, even though they take a littlepiece of our hearts with them when they go.

The truth is that once a child has come to live on our campus,they are part of our family, and never forgotten when they leave.On an almost daily basis I hear the houseparents tell stories about former residents, some funny, some heartbreaking. They will mention hearing from former residents-it means so much when they contact us as they get older.

We pray that every child that comes through our doors takes a piece of the Home with them when they go. We pray that they remember that there are people that loved them, still think about them andpray for them. Most of all we pray that they remember what they were taught about Jesus -that He loves them most of all.

MANDYMITCHELL

NEED TO KNOW MORE?

If your church or organization would be interested in having a Home representative come and share with you about our ministry, please give us a call (205) 924-9751. We will be glad to schedule a time. It is always our privilege to meet our many supporters in person and to share what God is doing.

Summer camp will be here before you know it. Each year our supporters

help make camp possible for our children

by donating $125to sponsor a child

for camp.

IT IS A WONDERFUL

WAY TO INVEST

IN ACHILD’S LIFE.

If you would like to be a sponsor, make a gift

and be sure toearmark it for “camp”.

Thanks for helpingthem experience a

Christian camp.

SummerCAMP

VANESSA 3/09/07

ALEXIS 3/11/08

MALEAH 3/28/07

MANDY(STAFF) 4/1

ANGEL 4/29/04

W E S T LY N •   A L E X I S •   P R I N C E S S •   P R E S T O N

DA LT O N •   L E V I •   S H AU N •   A I D E N

H A N N A H •   DAN I E L •   A N G E L

Hope you have a special day.

Happy Bir�day!

WELL DONE!

Keep Up The Good Work.

HONOR ROLL

Here’s an easy, convenient way to help support our Home:Order items through the Amazon Smile link, and we will receivea portion of the purchase price. You can even view our wish listand have items shipped directly to us.

https://smile.amazon.com/hz/charitylist/ls/NHZU14N009YE/ref=smi_se_spo_icl_lst_tgt

The FWB Children’s Home Newsletter is published six times per year to keep friends informed of current activities, programs, and service. If you have any questions, suggestions, or comments, please contact us.

Free Will Baptist Children’s Home, P. O. Box 8 Eldridge, AL 35554Mandy Mitchell, Executive Director | Ralinda Aspey, Counselor | Danny Williams, Communication Phone: 205-924-9751 | Fax: 205-924-9574 | Website: www.fwbhome.org

FWBCH does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, nationality, or ethnic origin.

B OA RD O F DI RECTORSRodney Yerby, Chairman

Shelia Bynum | Donnie Blackmon

Tim Baumgarten | Wayne Parker

Joey Pettis | Waymon Fields

Danny Williams

MEMORIAL GIFTS

Below are memorial contributions from November/December 2019. We thank all thosewho honor their loved ones in this special way.

IN MEMORY DONOR

Loudell Dobbins Dale & Tina Pair, Robert & Sharon Free Wanda Walker & Family, Dale & Vikki Dodd Dalbert & Allison Marsh

Raphael Yerby Regina Rose

Pete Mitchell Lamar & Dorenda Weaver

Hunter Watson Ronnie & Janice Winters

Carey Pickett Faye Lovelady

Elmer Harris Billy & Geraldine Gober

Jean Wakefield

Hershell Curtis

Shirley Vandiver

Vester Lawrence

John Bolan

Thurlow Bell Cheryl Webb & Family

June Hayes Shirley Arrington

Randy Bridges Bruce Hamrick

Suda Nell Sizemore Morgan, Bill & Nell Steve & Jean

Robert Chris Bowen, Jr. Rodger Bennett

Etheline Capps Onzell Godfrey

Rev. Elzie Gilliam Joe & Celia Yerby

Dorothy Atkins Jerry & Betty Atkins

Cory Baughn

Rhonda Yates

Dr. David J Rowland

Lou Ann Booth Jim & Lisa Courington

Betty Bagwell Jim & Mary Bagwell

Heyward Butler Rhetta Butler

Frank Barron Regina Barron

IN HONOR DONOR

Faye Dinkins Daniel & Deborah Dinkins

You may pay tribute to your loved one with a donation in their honor. Please include with yourgift the information needed to notify the family.

Recognition will also appear in theupcoming newsletter.

Free Will Baptist Children’s Home is a ministry of the Alabama State Association of FWB’s. As a non-profit organization, FWBCH provides a loving, home-like, Christian atmosphere for children struggling with life’s challenges and turbulent domestic situations. Our task is to help children hurt by life to find faith in God and enter adulthood as responsible Christian men and women with a purpose in life.

One ofthe thingsI admirethe most

about our houseparents

is their ability to love these

children, never knowing

how longthey will

have them, willing to

risk the heartache,

every time.

PURPOSE

DIRECTOR’S DESK

I have worked at the Children’s Home for almost 9 years and it didn’t take long for me to notice a pattern. Every Fall and Spring we would have an increased number of referrals and admissions, and at the same time, children leaving us for the next step of their lives.

One of the hardest things that our staff deals with are having to let go of children that they have grown to love. Many people would guard their heart about “not getting too attached,” to save from the heartache they will feel when that child has to move on. One of the things I admire the most about our houseparents is their ability to love these children, never knowing how long they will have them, willing to risk the heartache, every time. One houseparent said that you can’t do this job the right way without getting attached to each and every child you care for.

Many of you know that here at the Home we serve foster children in the custody of the State but also private families, who still hold custody of children. One of our sweetest little boys was placed in a good adoptive home in January. We were so sad to see him go but also excited for him to have his opportunity to have a forever family. The day after he moved, the adoptive mom sent the young man’s houseparent flowers and an update on how he was doing and pictures of him in his new home. That act of empathy meant the world to us. We do what we do because we love children and wantto see the best outcome for them, even though they take a littlepiece of our hearts with them when they go.

The truth is that once a child has come to live on our campus,they are part of our family, and never forgotten when they leave.On an almost daily basis I hear the houseparents tell stories about former residents, some funny, some heartbreaking. They will mention hearing from former residents-it means so much when they contact us as they get older.

We pray that every child that comes through our doors takes a piece of the Home with them when they go. We pray that they remember that there are people that loved them, still think about them andpray for them. Most of all we pray that they remember what they were taught about Jesus -that He loves them most of all.

MANDYMITCHELL

NEED TO KNOW MORE?

If your church or organization would be interested in having a Home representative come and share with you about our ministry, please give us a call (205) 924-9751. We will be glad to schedule a time. It is always our privilege to meet our many supporters in person and to share what God is doing.

Summer camp will be here before you know it. Each year our supporters

help make camp possible for our children

by donating $125to sponsor a child

for camp.

IT IS A WONDERFUL

WAY TO INVEST

IN ACHILD’S LIFE.

If you would like to be a sponsor, make a gift

and be sure toearmark it for “camp”.

Thanks for helpingthem experience a

Christian camp.

SummerCAMP

VANESSA 3/09/07

ALEXIS 3/11/08

MALEAH 3/28/07

MANDY(STAFF) 4/1

ANGEL 4/29/04

W E S T LY N •   A L E X I S •   P R I N C E S S •   P R E S T O N

DA LT O N •   L E V I •   S H AU N •   A I D E N

H A N N A H •   DAN I E L •   A N G E L

Hope you have a special day.

Happy Bir�day!

WELL DONE!

Keep Up The Good Work.

HONOR ROLL

Carrots Lima BeansPinto BeansCoffee/Tea BagsSalad Dressings Tomato Sauce/RotelLemonade Mix baked BeansPink SalmonBread Crumbs Manwich Sauce Chicken BrothSalsa/bbq SauceCake FrostingGravy MixesSnacks/Chips Oatmeal Cereal/pop TartsCrackers Brown Sugar Confection SugarSugar Pancake Mix Cooking Oil/SprayCan Fruits Laundry Detergent

Clorox Clean UpFabric Softner/Sheets Windex Cleaning SuppliesDish Detergent Spot Remover Furniture PolishToilet Tissue Styro Cups/Plates Paper TowelsCheese Sauce Can Vegetables Spaghetti Sauce/NoodlesBisquick Tuna/chicken MayoDiced TomatoesCookie Mix SpicesOnion/Garlic Salt Black/White Pepper SageRed Pepper Flakes Olives/Pickles Chili/Taco SeasoningMops/Brooms

ItemsNeeded

P.O. Box 8Eldridge, AL 35554

Return Service Requested

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDWINFIELD, ALPERMIT NO. 41

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FREEWILLBAPTIST Ch

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Children’s

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Home

PLEASE VISIT US: Please visit us at our website: www.fwbhome.org

Join us on Facebook: Alabama FWB Children’s Home

E-mail us at: admin@fwbhome.org

Children's Home T-Shirts are still available!Would you like to help in promoting the

Home by getting one? With a donation of $10 we will ship you one,

$5 for locals who want to stop by andget theirs. You can donate by going to

fwbhome.org. Just put what size and color shirt you want, along with your address,

in the note section. You can also send your donation by mail to PO Box 8, Eldridge, AL

35555. We have sizes adult S-3XL. The colors are green, red, navy, and maroon.

All shirts are soft spun cotton.They have been very popular, and we would love for you to have one. Order yours today.

CHILDREN'S HOME

T-Shirts